Discipleship – Great and Small (but as great)

Dear Caldwell,

Today, I witnessed two of the many, many ways the faithful of this church family give … and give and give. 

This morning, Carol King, her brother, and our friend Johnny Frazier stirred early. Ever resourceful and thoughtful, Carol had reached out to her many friends in the construction business and asked if anyone had some cabinets that might fit a need we have in Caldwell House. In what seemed like only minutes, a perfect set of cabinets were offered – coming out of a fine home in Eastover which is being remodeled Carol, her brother, and Johnny helped ‘harvest’ them and soon Caldwell House will be that much nicer.

This afternoon, the church office needed multiple hands for an office project. No sooner had calls gone out before Jean Nance (who is here ever Friday folding bulletins with Elora Hefner), Beth Johnson, Nancy Faires and her daughter were here. Like that, the project was completed.

All of this is witness to the many forms of discipleship that bring the church alive. This Sunday, we will be invited to recommit ourselves to the church in the pledges of our time, talent and treasure for 2012. You will receive information in the mail next week and pledges will be dedicated Sunday, Oct. 16. We have a goal that some might consider crazy — but that I see as simply an expression of all the ways you already give. We’re aiming for 100% participation. It’s not about the size of the pledge. It IS about the act of making God a promise. Whether it is great or small (but just as “great”), we all can make a promise to God in return to God’s promises to us. Because of those promises, we are  “Abounding in Hope,” as the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 15:13. That is our campaign theme. 

On Sunday:

– We start with breakfast for and with the guests of Caldwell House. Helping hands are invited to come at 7:45 a.m. Breakfast is served at 8:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

– At 9:45, Sunday school will look at the stories of Elizabeth (Luke 1:5–66) and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10) as our class on women of the Bible continues.

– In worship, we will celebrate communion, launch our Discipleship Campaign and be joined by members of the Belk family, as they take part in a homecoming that includes a visit to the church of their parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Belk.

– After worship, we need 2-3 volunteers to host lunch with Caldwell House. Nothing But Noodles is helping out again, so all we need is folks to host. Lunch arrives at 1:30.

– Also after worship, a lunch for anyone who considers themselves a newcomer will take place at Hawthorne’s Pizza.

With sadness in my heart but with equal confidence in the promise of the resurrection, I pass on news of two losses to members of the Caldwell family. Yvette Wilson lost her father,  James Lee Dentley, of California, who died one day shy of his 88th birthday.  Condolences can be sent to William and Yvette Wilson at  1925 Abbott Street, Charlotte, NC 28203.

In addition, we learned this afternoon that the son of our choir member and friend Richard Harrison was killed last night in Nebraska. Richard is with his family and welcomes all prayers. His son, Richard G. Harrison, once visited Caldwell and saw his father sing in our wonderful choir. Not much is known about the circumstances. An article that tells about Richard G is here:  http://www.omaha.com/article/20110930/NEWS97/709309901

Events like these remind us of the fragility of life, the value of family and communities like the one we share here at Caldwell. I know you join me in prayers for Yvette and Richard.

I hope to see you Sunday, where we will be fed and assured of the promise that in all things, we belong to God.

Yours in Christ,

John